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Introduction to viruses: For centuries submicroscopic organisms, also known as viruses, that grow and multiply at different rates inside of a cell, have been circulating our planet. 1 The cell produces the various, essential components of the virus. These components are: 1) DNA or RNA nucleic acids, which are the genes of the virus. Viral particles posses either DNA strands or RNA strands, but never both in contrast bacterial infections contain both. The amount of DNA/RNA in a virus changes depending on the type of virus. 2) A protein which is extremely important in a hazardous virus because is provides a strong, protective barrier as the virus passes from cell to cell. 2 Viruses do not contain the enzymes and metabolic pressures needed for self-duplication. The missing components are taken from the host cells they infect.
Replication begins when the virus enters the cell. The enzymes remove the coat of the virus, and the RNA or DNA particles come in contact with the ribosomes in the cell. The virus then finds the protein by using the nucleic acid. Several new RNA or DNA strands are made.
Once the cell has exceeded the maximum number of strands, it then bursts open and the new particles find new host cells. The process is then repeated. 3 The following is a list of the many ways viruses can be classified: 1. ) Whether viral particles contain RNA or DNA strands. In some cases there are retroviruses. That is when a RNA virus enters the cell, then converts to a DNA virus. 2. ) Whether the genome is single stranded or double stranded 3. ) For single stranded RNA viruses, the code for a protein could be positive stranded or negative stranded. 4. ) The genome may be linear or circular and may be in a single segment or multiple segments. 5. ) The size and overall shape of the virus. 6. ) The effects of the viruses. 4 Viruses can directly cause damage to the cells by seizing the cells metabolic resources and / or by producing toxic components which interfere with their normal functions. These viruses will generally make what is known as a cyto pathic effect (CPE) in tissue culture cells. Viruses can also cause cells to alter their components making them targets for anti-cellular viruses such as AIDS. 5 II.
An In-Depth view? Infectious diseases are the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause worldwide? but, ? we only spend 1 % of our health-care budget on prevention, ? claims Dr. David Satcher. 6 For years scientists have been complaining about the amount of government money spent on virus prevention.
Within the past twenty years, more than 30 new virulent types have been discovered, like Lyme Disease, Legionnaire? s disease, AIDS, and Ebola. 7 For the past couple of years, scientists have been fearing? antibiotic-resistant organisms, ? often called? killer bacteria. ? Diseases that were once easily eliminated with antibiotics, such as ear infections or pneumonia, can now outsmart common drugs.
Scientists also state that there is only one drug to treat some infections. Once a virus becomes resistant, society will basically have returned to the pre antibiotic age. 8? Twenty years ago, many people believed infectious diseases would be conquered, ? recalls Dr.
John Barrett. ? Organisms changed, people changed. ? 9 There are many ways people can protect themselves from viruses. They can stay inside their houses all day fearing viruses, 10 but? A ship is safe in the harbor, but that? s not what ships are made for. ? 11 The following is a list of ten ways to prevent infectious diseases without interrupting a person?
s life: 1. ) VACCINATE all children, adults, and pets. 2. ) WASH HANDS often, especially during the cold and flu season. 3. ) PREPARE FOOD carefully, cook it thoroughly. 4. ) USE ANTIBIOTICS exactly as your doctor directs after you have encountered an infectious disease. 5. ) REPORT AN INFECTION that does not heal to a doctor. 6. ) AVOID AREAS with lots of insects use bug repellent on all wilderness trips. 7. ) BE CAUTIOUS around all wild or unfamiliar animals. 8. ) AVOID UNSAFE, unprotected sex and intravenous drug use. 9. ) ASK ABOUT DISEASE threats, like hepatitis, when you travel. 10. ) ALLOW YOURSELF TIME to recover when sick. 12 III. Particular Infectious Diseases in Detail Tuberculosis: Clinical description: Tuberculosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by? Mycobacterial Tuberculosis? . This disease is characterized by inflamed tissue caused by granulomas. 13 The disease primarily affects the lungs, although the intestines and other parts of the body may become infected. 14 Clinical Case Diagnosis: A positive tuberculin skin test. Other signs and symptoms compatible with tuberculosis are abnormal, unstable chest radiographs, or clinical evidence of current disease. Treatment with two or more anti tuberculosis medications.
It is spread mainly by inhalation, occasionally by ingestion through contaminated foods and utensils. 15 Case Classification: Confirmed: A case that meets the clinical diagnosis or is laboratory confirmed. 16 Additional Comments: The spread of tuberculosis, once affecting millions, greatly decreased in the 1970? s. Many countries improved sanitation, early detection through X-rays, and anti tuberculosis drugs. 17 A case should not be counted twice within any 12 month period. However, if the patient had already acquired the disease, it should be reported again if the patient had been discharged from treatment. Mycobacterial diseases other than those caused by tuberculosis should not be counted in tuberculosis statistics. 18 Malaria: Clinical Description: Malaria, also known as? Plasmodium falciparum?
is the next infectious disease that is going to be described. Signs and symptoms are variable however most patients experience fever. In addition to fever, common associated symptoms include, headache, back pain, loss of appetite, weakness, chills, sweats, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough. Untreated malaria can lead to coma, renal failure, diarrhea, and cough. 19 Case Diagnosis: Demonstration of malaria parasites in blood films. 20 Case classification: Confirmed: an episode of microscopically confirmed malaria parasite mia in any person diagnosed in the United States, regardless of whether the person experienced previous episodes of malaria outside the country. 21 Additional Comments: Indigenous: Malaria acquired by mosquito transmission in an area where malaria is a regular occurrence.
Introduced: Malaria acquired by mosquito transmission from an imported case in an area where malaria is not a regular occurrence. Imported: Malaria acquired outside a specific area (e. g. the U. S. and its territories.
Cryptic: An isolated case of malaria that cannot be linked to additional cases. 22 Brucellosis Clinical description: An illness distinguished by acute or insidious outbreak of fever, night sweats, undue fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and headache. Brucellosis is also called Gibraltar fever or the Mediterranean fever. 23 Case Diagnosis: Isolation of Brucella from a clinical specimen. The patient could have encountered the disease from outer American insects. This disease can be cured by antibiotics spaced out. 24 Additional Comments: Brucellosis is highly a contagious disease, but not severe with proper treatment.
When the patient once obtains the virus, they produce an anti-body. This makes an immunity so the person can never get it again. The same process takes place with chicken pox. 25
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Research essay sample on Signs And Symptoms Infectious Diseases
